Head of Agricultural Finance Job Vacancy in Benin City, Nigeria – Banking & Financial Services

Job Description

Position: Head of Agricultural Finance

Company: Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria

Location: Benin City, Nigeria

Experience: 10+ years in agricultural finance, credit analysis, or related banking roles

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Agriculture, Economics or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Banking & Financial Services

Department: Corporate Banking – Agriculture Division

Salary: NGN 4,000,000 – NGN 6,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria is a leading international bank with a strong heritage of over 150 years in delivering innovative financial solutions across Africa. Our commitment to sustainable growth drives us to support key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including agriculture, which remains a cornerstone of national development. As part of our strategic focus on inclusive finance, we invest in cutting‑edge digital platforms, robust risk frameworks, and capacity‑building initiatives that empower farmers, agribusinesses, and rural entrepreneurs. Join a dynamic team that values integrity, diversity, and a forward‑thinking mindset, while contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Our presence in Benin City positions us at the heart of Edo State’s vibrant agricultural community, enabling close collaboration with local producers, cooperatives, and government agencies. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of excellence, where employees are encouraged to innovate, lead, and make a tangible impact on the nation’s food security and economic prosperity.

Job Overview

The Head of Agricultural Finance will spearhead the development and execution of the bank’s agricultural lending portfolio across the South‑South region, with a primary focus on Benin City and surrounding agrarian zones. This senior role reports directly to the Regional Head of Corporate Banking and works closely with product managers, risk officers, and sustainability teams to design tailored financing solutions that address the unique challenges of the agricultural sector.

Key objectives include expanding loan book volume, enhancing credit quality, integrating ESG considerations, and driving digital adoption among rural clients. The successful candidate will act as a thought leader, representing Standard Chartered at industry forums, policy dialogues, and partnership meetings with NGOs, fintech innovators, and government bodies.

For more information about our career platform, visit https://nigeriajobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive agricultural finance strategy aligned with the bank’s growth targets and sustainability goals.
• Lead a team of relationship managers, credit analysts, and product specialists to originate, underwrite, and monitor agricultural loan portfolios.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging opportunities in crop financing, livestock lending, agri‑value chain funding, and climate‑smart agriculture.
• Collaborate with risk management to establish robust credit assessment frameworks that incorporate farm productivity metrics, weather risk models, and ESG criteria.
• Negotiate and structure complex financing packages, including term loans, revolving credit facilities, and blended finance solutions.
• Drive digital transformation by promoting the use of mobile banking, blockchain‑based traceability, and data analytics tools for loan monitoring.
• Represent the bank at agricultural conferences, trade fairs, and policy roundtables to enhance brand visibility and forge strategic partnerships.
• Prepare regular performance reports, portfolio health dashboards, and regulatory compliance submissions for senior management.
• Mentor and develop junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.

Required Skills

• Deep understanding of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, commodity cycles, and rural financing challenges.
• Proven expertise in credit risk assessment, loan structuring, and portfolio management within the banking sector.
• Strong analytical abilities with proficiency in financial modeling, data interpretation, and risk analytics.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams and driving results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with ESG frameworks, sustainable finance standards, and digital banking solutions.
• Ability to navigate regulatory environments and maintain compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Agriculture, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required. Advanced qualifications such as an MBA, CFA, or a Master’s in Agricultural Economics are highly desirable.

Experience

At least 10 years of progressive experience in agricultural finance, corporate banking, or related financial services, with a track record of leading sizable loan portfolios and delivering growth targets.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from NGN 4,000,000 to NGN 6,000,000 per annum, complemented by performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, pension contributions, and other employee benefits.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health and medical coverage for employee and dependents.
• Pension scheme and retirement planning assistance.
• Professional development allowance and sponsorship for certifications.
• Flexible working arrangements and paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Onboarding program covering Standard Chartered’s risk policies, ESG standards, and digital banking platforms.
• Continuous learning modules on agricultural economics, climate‑smart financing, and fintech innovations.
• Leadership development workshops and mentorship pairing with senior executives.

Working Environment

Our Benin City office offers a modern, collaborative workspace equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology, meeting rooms, and breakout areas. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity, inclusion, and work‑life balance. Regular team‑building activities, community outreach programs, and sustainability initiatives create a vibrant atmosphere where professional growth thrives.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through our online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

For additional career resources, explore https://ghanajobsearch.com/.

Further regional opportunities can be found at https://cameroonjobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-cameroon/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.